Week 1: Fact or Fiction

Fact or fiction with the Week 1 narratives surrounding the Cleveland Browns performance against the Dallas Cowboys.

(Photo - Cleveland Browns)

In the world of professional football, the line between reality and imagination often blurs, creating sometimes false narratives around players, teams, or specific games. Personal biases and misunderstandings can contribute to these distorted views. But rest easy, Browns fans, each week we will sort fact from fiction through film analysis and data in a series we’re calling “Fact or Fiction.”

Let’s get this going.

“Deshaun Watson’s poor performance was the result of constantly being under pressure.”

Watson’s performance on Sunday evening was underwhelming, plain and simple. His pocket presence was chaotic, and his accuracy on passes beyond 10 yards was akin to me playing the clarinet with one hand (and I’ve never played the instrument). One explanation being circulated is that constant pressure was the primary cause of his poor performance.

There’s no doubt Watson faced pressure from a stout Cowboys defense. In fact, he was under pressure on 44.6 percent of dropbacks, the third highest in Week 1, behind old friend Jacoby Brissett now with the New England Patriots (48.3 percent) and Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans (47.4 percent). Under pressure, Watson completed 5 of 15 pass attempts for 20 yards, with a 42.4 passer rating and a 39.6 passing grade.